This project will explore trends, challenges, and opportunities at the intersection of computing and biology research. The analysis would include a survey of current areas of study that take advantage of synergies between the two fields and would also examine emerging research topics and potential new programs that can be expected to have an impact on computing and biology in the next five to twenty years. The scope of this exploration will be broad, with expected topics as diverse as computational modeling of biological systems, data representation and access, and biologically-inspired computer software and systems.

To extend the expertise present within the committee, there will be several focused workshops in areas of significant potential impact. In addition, the committee will discuss issues that will affect the interdisciplinary research, including technical, institutional, cultural, and educational barriers to productive collaborations. Building on diverse inputs and committee deliberations, the committee will offer recommendations on the relative maturity and value of specific areas of research at the intersection between computing and biology and on practical approaches to fostering more collaborative work between the two research communities. A primary audience for the report is expected to be funding agencies, especially DARPA and NIH. Interest is also expected from NSF, DOE, and HHMI.